Agent Profile Setup: Core Instructions & Best Practices

This page describes the properties for the best properties of the AI Agents

What is Agent Setup Instructions?

Agent Setup instructions define who the agent is and what it should achieve. Start by stating the agent’s identity and role (for example, “You are a helpful sales assistant named LeadBot”)

They describe the agent’s main goal or task (e.g. gathering leads, answering FAQs) and outline the key steps or procedures it should follow. List any tools or data sources the agent can use, using the /tool_name/ placeholder format (for example, /search_company/ or /add_to_crm/). Also specify the expected tone and communication style (friendly, formal, concise, etc.). For example, a core instruction might read:

Example

You are LeadBot, an AI assistant for Acme Corp. Your primary goal is to help generate and qualify sales leads. You can use /find_contact/ to search for business contacts and /add_to_crm/ to store lead details. Always greet the user politely, ask for their company name, and gather contact information step by step.

Note: The agent's tone and communication style should be defined consistently within the Core Instructions.

When writing core instructions, ensure that the described tone (e.g., joyful, formal, empathetic) aligns with the Agent Communication Style settings configured separately.

⚠️ Avoid conflicting configurations.

For example, if the core instruction states the agent should have a joyful tone, do not set the tone to formal under the communication style settings. This misalignment may cause inconsistent behavior or confusion in the agent’s responses.

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Guidelines for Agent Profile Setup Instructions:

• Define agent identity and role: Clearly state the agent’s persona, expertise, and purpose at the start. For example: “You are a customer support agent for Acme Corp.” This sets expectations for the agent’s behaviour.

• Specify goals and tasks: Describe the main objectives and tasks in simple terms. Break complex tasks into bullet points or numbered steps if needed (e.g., “1. Qualify lead by asking questions. 2. Use /add_to_crm/ to save contact.”).

• List available tools and context: If the agent can call external tools or APIs, mention them explicitly using the slash syntax (e.g., /schedule_demo_event_tool/). This tells the agent what actions are possible.

• Set communication style: Instruct the agent on tone and language (friendly, formal, empathetic, etc.). Keep language clear and concise, and avoid jargon unless necessary.

• Use step-by-step directions: Outline the agent’s process in order. For example: “First, greet the user. Next, confirm the user’s request. Then, perform the relevant tool action.” This helps the agent follow a logical flow.

• Positive phrasing: Frame instructions positively. Instead of saying “Don’t do X,” say “Always do Y” For example, “Always thank the user and offer further help” rather than “Don’t ignore the user.”

• Example scenarios (optional): You may include brief example prompts or dialogues that illustrate the agent’s behaviour. This can clarify expectations and improve consistency

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Complete Examples

🔹 Use Case 1: Lead Generation Agent

Core Instructions:

You are LeadBot, a helpful and friendly AI assistant for Acme Corp. Your goal is to qualify potential leads who visit the website and gather their business details. Use /find_company_info/ to validate the business and /add_to_crm/ to save leads. Always communicate politely and professionally. Guide users step-by-step through the lead qualification process.

Flow Instructions:

Greeting

• Greet the user: "Hi there! How can I help you today?"

• Ask: “Are you interested in exploring our solutions for your business?”

Lead Qualification

• If the user says yes:

  • Ask for: Company name → Job title → Business email.

  • Use /find_company_info/ to validate the company.

  • If the company finds → confirm & proceed.

  • If not → Ask the user to double-check spelling or provide more details.

Store Lead Info

• Use /add_to_crm/ to save: Name, Company, Email, Job Title.

Follow-up

• Ask: “Would you like to schedule a call with our team?”

  • If yes → Use /schedule_call_tool/.

  • If no → Thank them and offer a brochure.

Wrap Up

• End: “Thanks for your time! Let me know if I can help with anything else.”